Drake Equation Adapted to Estimate Soulmate Search Odds

Joe Hanson, biologist and host/writer of PBS Digital Studios' It's Okay To Be Smart devoted his Valentine's episode to discussion of how to use a variant of the Drake equation to explore your odds of finding that special someone. 

The Drake equation estimates the number of technologically advanced civilizations in the Milky Way, factoring in such quantities as the rate of suitable star formation and the fraction of life sites were intelligence develops. To derive an approximate reckoning of your potential soulmates, however, you'll have to consider not only the percentage of singles who are "findable," but also whether you require your significant other to share your love of math or science.

Watch the It's Okay To Be Smart episode or listen to a This American Life prologue about a similar Drake application.